JERSEY bowls players enjoyed a largely successful weekend as they travelled to Guernsey to compete for qualification to the British Isles Bowls Championships finals.
At least two Jersey representatives secured their places at the prestigious finals, where they will represent the Channel Islands against opposition from England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland.
Alan Shaw, secretary of the Jersey Indoor Bowls Association, was pleased with the overall outcome.
“The weekend was a successful one for us. It’s great to have this number of people going to compete in such a big competition and everyone played very well,” he said.
“I’m absolutely chuffed that our players are still willing to travel and compete, especially with the costs and difficulties involved. Seeing them play at this level makes me very proud.
“With it being Jersey versus Guernsey, the atmosphere was excellent. Although the crowd was mainly Guernsey supporters, there was great appreciation for bowls of a very high quality.”
A packed schedule produced several close encounters, with Jersey’s standout performance coming from rising star Taylor Greechan, who claimed victory in the Men’s Under-25 Singles. He defeated Guernsey’s Marcus Rihoy 21-16 to book his place in the British Isles finals.
There was near success in the Men’s Singles for Thomas Greechan, the British Isles champion from two years ago, who narrowly lost 21-18 to Gary Pitschou.
However, with Pitschou already qualified in other disciplines, there remains a possibility that Greechan could yet be selected for the Channel Islands team, subject to confirmation.
In the Ladies’ Singles, Chloe Greechan faced a formidable opponent in former world number 11 and Indoor Bowls World Championship medallist Alison Merrien MBE. Despite a determined display, Greechan was edged out 21-16.
Guernsey dominated several of the team events on home soil, claiming victories in the Men’s, Ladies’ and Veterans Fours with scores of 30-21, 24-15 and 18-16 respectively.
They also proved too strong in the Men’s and Ladies’ Triples, winning 22-8 and 17-6.
In the Ladies’ Pairs, Jersey’s Lindsay Greechan and Gina Le Long were beaten 23-14 by Merrien and Shirley Petit.
However, Lindsay Greechan still earned a place in the Channel Islands squad as Merrien had already qualified in the maximum number of categories.
The Men’s Pairs saw a close contest, but Jersey’s Thomas and Taylor Greechan were edged out 17-13 by Guernsey’s Ian Merrien and Dave Jeffery.
